FEATURED ARTICLES ABOUT ELKS LODGE - PAGE 5

The third annual "Show Your Colors" Motorcycle Poker Run & Pig Roast, sponsored by the Charlevoix Elks Lodge will take place Saturday, Sept. 24 in downtown Charlevoix. The event is a benefit for Michigan veterans. Last year organizers gave away $4,500 distributed between the Forgotten Eagles of Michigan, food and gas cards for local veterans in need, and to the family of a fallen soldier from Mancelona. This year, organizers plan to make the family of a fallen Navy SEAL from Petoskey the family of focus for the fundraiser.

Editor: On behalf of the members of Charlevoix Elks Lodge #2856, I wish to thank you (Charlevoix Courier) and your wonderful staff for a job well done for getting the word out about our Texas Hold ?em Tournament that was held on Saturday, April 18. And especially to the person who made the ad that ran in the Courier and the Petoskey News Review, awesome job. I would also like to thank the following companies and their employees (WJML) Stone Communications, Inc., (WKHQ)

Any high school senior who is a U.S. citizen is eligible to apply. Male and female students compete separately and are judged on scholarship, leadership and financial need. Beginning Sept. 15, Most Valuable Student contest applications will be available online at www.elks.org/enf/scholars, at local Elks lodges or at local high schools. Applications are also available by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Elks National Foundation, 2750 N. Lakeview Ave., Chicago, IL 60614.

Organizer Ken Kwapis drove all the way to Gladwin to pick up 500 pumpkins for the first-time event. Approximately 25 other Elks Lodge members worked, or helped prepare for the event that lasted from noon to 5 p.m., or as long as the pumpkin supply lasted. Nearly 400 hot dogs were consumed by those who attended. "We were concerned all week because the forecast wasn't sure whether it might rain," said Kwapis, as he surveyed Saturday's activities. "But today turned out to be perfect.

GAYLORD ? The Gaylord Elks celebrated Flag Day on June 14 with the annual Flag Day Ceremony. The eight flags displayed represent the history of the United States and its armed forces, and speaker Sue Burk explained the honor and benefit the flags have given the country. Flag bearers represent current members of the military and veterans in both the Elks and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). The ceremony has featured recent changes to include conflicts such as Desert Storm and the actions rising out of Sept.

GAYLORD - The Salvation Army hosted its annual soup and salad luncheon Tuesday at the Gaylord Elks Lodge, raising $3,800 to help with community services. The Salvation Army uses the proceeds from the community to bring cheer to the old, the sick, the poor, and most of all, the children of Otsego County during this holiday season, according to Ron Chavey, manager of Gaylord Service Center. The funds generated from this year's luncheon is up from last year. Chavey noted the number of families the Salvation Army assists increases annually.

To the Editor: While the Gaylord Area Elks will continue to support the many fine traditions of Alpenfest, due to recently imposed changes to operational guidelines for participation by volunteer organizations, it has become increasingly difficult to support and operate the Elks food booth. Alpenfest Board, please accept this letter as our notice to respectfully withdraw from the 2007 Alpenfest Ethnic Alley. This decision was not reached hastily, but only after significant thought and deliberation.

The Charlevoix Elks Lodge will host its ninth annual Thanksgiving Day Swim fundraiser at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 25 at Michigan Beach. Proceeds from the event will support the Elks Foundation, special needs children, Golden Key scholarships and other local charities. Organizers note the swim will go off at 11 a.m. sharp and remind participants to wear shoes into the water, stay warm until its time to swim and to get dry as soon as possible once finished with the swim. For more information on the event or to make a contribution, contact John McNabb at (231)

The Charlevoix Elks Lodge will host it's 10th annual Thanksgiving Day Swim fundraising event at 11 a.m. sharp on Thursday, Nov. 24 at Michigan Beach. Proceeds from funds raised during the event go to support a wide array of community projects. Last year about 70 people participated and about 200 watched from the beach, raising about $3,000. Checks should be made payable to the Charlevoix Elks. Organizers recommend participants going in the water wear shoes, stay in their vehicles until just before going into the water and dry off quickly after the swim.

Mr. John “Mo” Colombo, 92, of Gaylord passed away Thursday, April 21, 2011. He was born in Detroit on Oct. 15, 1918, and served as a major in the U.S. Army during World War II. On Feb. 13, 1974, he married Elaine Blake. The couple moved to Gaylord in 1978. Mr. Colombo was a member of the Gaylord Elks Lodge and a former member of the Otsego Ski Club. Per his wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Mr. Colombo is survived by his wife, Elaine.